Start your holiday mornings with less stress and more flavor! This incredible christmas egg casserole recipe delivers a savory, satisfying breakfast perfect for festive gatherings. Its make-ahead convenience lets you enjoy precious time with family instead of rushing in the kitchen. Prepare it the night before and wake up to a delicious, comforting meal ready to bake.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Egg Casserole Recipe
Preparing for holiday mornings can feel hectic, but this festive egg bake simplifies everything. You will love making this christmas egg casserole recipe for so many reasons.
- Enjoy stress-free holiday mornings knowing breakfast is prepped.
- Customize this casserole to suit any dietary preference or taste.
- Serve a hearty, comforting, and delicious crowd-pleaser that everyone adores.
- Combine simple ingredients for a big, impressive flavor without the fuss.
- It is perfectly balanced, offering a savory start to any day, especially after enjoying some sweet treats.
Ingredients
Gather your simple ingredients for this incredible christmas egg casserole recipe. This savory holiday casserole comes together easily with basic items you likely already have on hand.
- 1 pound ground pork sausage (or maple sausage)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 6 large eggs, beaten
- 1-1½ cups half and half (or whole milk)
- 6 slices white bread, toasted and cut into cubes
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Notes & Substitutions
You have many options to customize this holiday breakfast casserole. For bread, challah, brioche, or Texas toast work wonderfully. If you prefer a different cheese, try Swiss, mozzarella, or Colby Jack. Whole milk is a great substitute for half and half if you want a lighter option. For meat, cubed ham or crumbled bacon can easily replace the sausage.
Equipment
You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make this delightful breakfast casserole. Get ready for easy assembly and baking!
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Large skillet
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Aluminum foil
Instructions
Creating this delicious christmas egg casserole recipe is straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfect holiday breakfast bake.
Grease a 9×13 baking dish thoroughly, then set it aside. This prevents sticking and ensures easy serving.
In a large skillet, cook the ground pork sausage over medium heat until it is completely browned. Once cooked, carefully drain any excess fat from the sausage.
In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the salt, beaten eggs, and half and half until well combined and frothy. This creates the creamy base for your casserole.
Add the cooked and drained sausage to the egg mixture. Stir in the cubed toasted bread and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Gently mix everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated by the egg mixture.
Pour the entire mixture evenly into your prepared 9×13 baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
For best results and food safety, the USDA provides guidance on safe chilling practices for make-ahead meals. Chill the covered casserole in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. For best results and flavor development, chill it overnight. This crucial step allows the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture, preventing sogginess.
When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the covered casserole for 50-60 minutes.
Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F. Carefully uncover the casserole.
Bake for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the casserole is set in the center and has a beautiful golden-brown top. A knife inserted near the center should come out clean.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieve the perfect festive egg bake every time with these helpful hints. Preventing sogginess is key, so always use stale or lightly toasted bread. You can quickly toast bread slices in the oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. For that irresistible golden, cheesy top, ensure you bake it uncovered long enough. Check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center; if it comes out clean, your christmas egg casserole recipe is ready. The American Egg Board recommends cooking eggs to a minimum internal temperature of 160°F for food safety. Avoid over-baking, as it can dry out the casserole and make it less appealing.
Serving, Storage & Variations
Serving Suggestions
Serve your delicious holiday egg bake alongside a vibrant fresh fruit salad for a balanced meal. For those who enjoy a sweeter complement, pair it with a simple French toast bake. Offer hot sauce, ketchup, or even a sprinkle of fresh chives for guests to customize their plates.
Make Ahead & Storage
The beauty of this Christmas morning breakfast bake is its make-ahead potential. Prepare the casserole as directed and chill it in the refrigerator overnight. You can also freeze the uncooked casserole, tightly wrapped, for 1-2 months. Thaw frozen casserole in the refrigerator before baking. Store any cooked leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze cooked leftovers for 2-3 months. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or a larger portion in the oven until warmed through.
Variations
Easily customize this holiday breakfast casserole to suit your family’s tastes. Add crumbled crispy bacon or a mix of cooked meats like ham for extra protein. Incorporate various vegetables such as diced bell peppers, spinach, or chopped broccoli florets for more nutrients. Sautéed mushrooms or fresh asparagus spears also make excellent additions. For a spicy kick, use spicy sausage, add diced jalapeños, or sprinkle in red pepper flakes. Before serving, garnish with fresh green onions for a pop of color and flavor.
Nutrition Information
This hearty christmas egg casserole recipe provides a satisfying start to your day. Each serving offers a good balance of protein and healthy fats. Approximate values for one serving include around 350-400 calories, 15-20g carbohydrates, 20-25g protein, and 20-25g fat. Please note that these values are estimations and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
| Nutrient | Amount (Approximate per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 |
| Total Fat | 23g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Cholesterol | 150mg |
| Sodium | 650mg |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Total Sugars | 3g |
| Protein | 22g |
FAQ
Can I use frozen sausage in this christmas egg casserole recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cooked sausage. Make sure to thaw it completely and crumble it before adding it to the egg mixture for even distribution.
How do I prevent a watery casserole?
The key is to use stale or toasted bread to absorb the egg mixture properly. Also, drain excess fat from the sausage before adding it to the casserole.
Can this recipe be dairy-free?
You can substitute the half and half with a dairy-free milk alternative like unsweetened almond or soy milk. Use a dairy-free shredded cheese substitute for the cheddar.
How long does it need to chill?
It needs to chill for at least 2 hours to allow the bread to soak up the liquid. Chilling it overnight yields the best results and flavor.
How do I know when it’s fully cooked?
The casserole is done when the center is set, and a knife inserted into the middle comes out clean. The top should also be golden brown and bubbly.
Conclusion
This make-ahead christmas egg casserole recipe is more than just a meal; it is a tradition in the making. Its ease of preparation and delicious, comforting flavors make it perfect for a stress-free holiday morning. You will love how simple it is to bring such a hearty and satisfying breakfast to your family. Enjoy a wonderful and peaceful Christmas morning filled with warmth and good food!
